KWN 6

Summary

The script discusses the evolution of Indonesia's constitution and legal system, starting with the first constitution established by the Indonesian Independence Preparatory Committee led by Bung Karno and Bung Hatta. It outlines the various versions of the constitution, including the initial presidential system, the parliamentary system under Syahrir, and the brief federal period influenced by the Round Table Conference. The script also touches on the transition to a unitary state and the enduring 1945 constitution, amended by Presidential Decree in 1959. It highlights the shifts in governmental power, particularly focusing on Soekarno's role and the establishment of his lifelong presidency by the MPRS, which deviates from the original 1945 constitution's principles.

Takeaways

• 📜 The first Indonesian Constitution was established by the Independence Preparation Committee led by Bung Karno (Sukarno) and Bung Hatta, with 22 members affirming the basic law since July 5, 1959.
• 📝 The original Constitution, known as the Basic Law of 1945, has undergone several changes over the years to adapt to the country's evolving political structure.
• 🔄 Initially, the Constitution was of a presidential nature, but it transitioned to a parliamentary system with Syahrir as the Prime Minister, replacing Sukarno who held both positions temporarily.
• 🗽 There was a period when Indonesia was a federal state, based on the Round Table Conference (KMB) in the Netherlands, which lasted from December 27 until August 17, 1950.
• 🌐 The federal system was eventually rejected, and Indonesia returned to a unitary state, which was officially celebrated on August 17, 1950.
• 📑 The Provisional Constitution of 1950 was derived from the Federal Constitution, with Professor Dr. Soepomo playing a key role in its formulation and explanation.
• 🚫 Certain elements of the Provisional Constitution of 1950 were later discarded in amendments, reflecting the dynamic nature of the country's legal foundation.
• 🏛 The Constitution defines the positions and responsibilities of various state institutions and officials, shaping the governance structure of Indonesia.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Sukarno's role evolved from being the President and head of government for a brief period to a symbolic figurehead, with the Prime Minister and cabinet holding executive power.
• 🛠️ After the 'Great President' period starting from July 5, 1959, Sukarno regained more executive power, initiating changes such as the 'nasakom' concept and being declared president for life by the MPRS in 1964.
• 🤔 The script raises questions about constitutional adherence and the implications of having a president for life, contrasting with the original Constitution's provisions for a five-year term.

Q & A

What is the significance of the date July 5, 1945, in Indonesian history?

July 5, 1945, is significant because it marks the establishment of the first Constitution of Indonesia, known as the 'Undang-Undang Dasar 1945', which was affirmed by the Preparatory Committee for Indonesian Independence led by Bung Karno (Sukarno) and Bung Hatta.

Who were the key figures in the formulation of the first Indonesian Constitution?

The key figures were Bung Karno (Sukarno), who was the chairman, Bung Hatta, his deputy, and 22 other members who affirmed the basic law of the country.

What was the nature of the first Constitution of Indonesia?

The first Constitution was of a presidential nature, but Bung Karno served as both the Prime Minister and the President only until November, when Syahrir took over as Prime Minister in a parliamentary system.

What was the role of the 'Konferensi Meja Bundar' (Round Table Conference) in the history of Indonesian Constitution?

The 'Konferensi Meja Bundar' held in the Netherlands led to the establishment of a federal system in Indonesia, which was reflected in the 'Undang-Undang Dasar Sementara Federal' or the Provisional Federal Constitution.

When did Indonesia transition from a federal system to a unitary state?

Indonesia transitioned from a federal system to a unitary state on August 17, 1950, after rejecting the federal system and dissolving the federal state.

What is the 'Undang-Undang Dasar Sementara' and when was it in effect?

The 'Undang-Undang Dasar Sementara' or Provisional Constitution was in effect from 1950 until July 5, 1959, and was based on the unitary state's constitution, formulated without the term 'federal'.

Who was Professor Dr. Soepomo and what was his contribution to the Indonesian Constitution?

Professor Dr. Soepomo was a legal expert at the time and was responsible for formulating the Provisional Constitution and explaining its provisions, although some of his formulations were later discarded in amendments.

How did the role of the President change from the initial Constitution to the amendments made in 1959?

Initially, the President was both the head of state and government, but after the amendments in 1959, the President's role shifted to more of a symbolic figure, with the Prime Minister and the cabinet taking on the responsibility of governing.

What significant change did President Soekarno implement during his term from the 1960s until 1965-1966?

During this period, President Soekarno became the head of government again, alongside being the President, and introduced various changes such as the 'nasakom' concept and was declared 'pemimpin besar revolusi' or 'great leader of the revolution' by the MPRS (Supreme Assembly).

What was the controversy regarding the presidency during Suharto's term from 1967 to 1998?

The controversy was that Suharto served as President for 32 years, which raised questions about the constitutionality of a 'president for life', as the 1945 Constitution did not provide for a lifelong presidency and stipulated a 5-year term with the possibility of re-election.